Installation and Field Finish
Instructions
Installation:
1. Martin’s Mill recommends installation only when all wet work trades are complete.
2. Only install the doors in a closed-in building with operational HVAC.
3. Relative humidity inside the building should not be less than 25% or exceed 55%
4. Allow doors to become acclimated to finished building heat and humidity before fitting and hanging.
5. Remove all shipping screws
6. Allow a fitting clearance of 1/16” and 1/8” at each side and at the top.
7. Door must be professionally shimmed and leveled.
Field Finishing:
1. Do not finish doors that have obvious defects. Martin’s Mill will not be responsible for the warranty of doors that had obvious defects prior to field finishing.
2. Door must be finished flat. Finish immediately after cutting and fitting and prior to installation. Seal door within three days time upon entering final installation location. Sealing all six sides is mandatory; including the top and bottom edges and hardware cutouts.
3. Before finishing, remove handling marks, cross grain scratches or effects of exposure to elements and moisture with a thorough and complete sanding of all surfaces of the door using the appropriate grit sandpaper to give the owner the desired/specified finish. Sand the door following the direction of the grain. Remove sanding dust with dry tack cloth in between finish coats.
4. Where possible, surface should be tested for desired finish to ensure there are no unfavorable reactions as occur with some species of wood.
5. A first coat of thinned clear sanding sealer, followed by a light block sanding will minimize subsequent handling marks and promote uniformity of stained finishes.
6. Apply one or more coats of stain and sealer as required, sanding in between coats. Stain should be applied with the door in a horizontal position to eliminate the solvents evaporating too quickly and leaving an inconsistent finish.
7. Apply a minimum of two coats of top coat for best results, sanding in between.
8. Water based finishes do not effectively resist moisture and should not be used.
Exterior Doors
1. Most exterior finishes deteriorate quickly. Prior to installation, exterior doors must be sealed properly with an exterior grade sealer. Exterior sealers will deteriorate over time due to exposure and will require annual maintenance. Inspect finish at least once per year.
2. Exterior doors must be finished with at least three (3) coats of an exterior grade material:
a. Varnish or other approved finish containing UV inhibitors to protect the door from sun damage. High gloss and lacquer based finishes are not recommended for exterior use.
b. For natural finishes, apply an oil based exterior grade stain followed by three (3) coats of exterior marine spar
c. For painted finishes, apply one coat of high grade exterior primer followed by three
(3) coats of high quality exterior grade paint. (Black is not recommended)
MMFFI 01/01/07